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Articles by Dan Kern

Can Aloe Help Acne?

Probably Not to a Measurable Degree The Essential Info Aloe exhibits healing properties. However, scientific evidence to date indicates that Aloe is not likely to help reduce acne to a measurable degree. When we dig into the research, we see that Aloe may fall short in the following areas: Anti-inflammatory effects: The anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated by Aloe …

Can Candida Cause Acne?

There Is Almost No Evidence That Candida (Yeast) Is Related to Acne The Essential Info Candida is a yeast (a single-celled type of fungus) that lives on the bodies of about 70% of people. For most people, Candida does not cause any problems, but it can occasionally lead to serious infections in people whose immune …

Does Triclosan Help With Acne?

Triclosan May Be Useful in the Treatment of Acne, But Concerns Remain The Essential Info Most people have heard about triclosan because it is included as the active ingredient in “antibacterial” hand soaps. However, recently the FDA banned the sale of triclosan-containing soaps because they were not shown to be any more effective than regular …

What Is the Chemical Structure of Lactic Acid and Lactate and How Is Lactic Acid Made?

Lactic Acid and Lactate Are Two Chemically Similar Molecules Created by Means of Chemical Synthesis, Catalyzing the Degradation of Sugars, Microbial Fermentation, and the Natural Synthesis Pathway The Essential Info Lactic acid and lactate are two forms of the same molecule that are used in thousands of skincare products. The difference between the two comes down …

What Are Ingrown Hairs?

Ingrown Hairs Occur When Shaved or Removed Hairs Get Trapped Inside the Skin, Causing Acne-like Lesions The Essential Info Ingrown hairs, also often referred to as razor bumps, are a common skin condition caused by hair removal in both males and females, but are a particular problem on the neck in men. They occur when …

Can Acne Medications or Treatments Age the Skin?

We Still Do Not Know If Acne Medications and Treatments That Permanently Decrease Skin Oil Production Might Accelerate Aging The Essential Info As people age, the skin produces less skin oil. This begs the question whether acne medications and treatments that work by impairing skin oil production might also lead to aging. The following medications and …

Alternative Treatment Options for Acne During Pregnancy

Light Therapy and Laser Therapy May Be Safer, but Both Can Reduce Folic Acid Levels. Proceed with Caution and Always Consult Your Physician. The Essential Info Acne sometimes flares during pregnancy, particularly during the third trimester. However, treating acne during pregnancy with traditional medications is difficult because: Therefore, women often look toward alternative treatments that …

What Are the Best Foods for People with Acne?

Low-Glycemic Foods, as Well as Foods High in Antioxidants, Zinc, and Omega-3s Might Help. The Top Food: Oysters! The Essential Info No one knows for sure to what degree diet affects acne. However, we do have some initial evidence that points towards the possibility that certain foods might be better for acne than others. The …

How Acne Treatments Absorb Into the Skin

Topical Treatments Can Penetrate into the Skin in Several Ways The Essential Info Topical treatments for acne must first pass through the outermost layer of the skin so they can reach the area of the skin where their action is needed. The 3 ways topical treatments absorb are: Caution – Deep Science Ahead: Continue reading …